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Looking after your mental health at this difficult time is very important. Here are some things that you can do to help yourself during the coronavirus pandemic...

Acknowledge emotions of anxiety as they come and then try to let them pass. Try not to reject these emotions as this can create a bottleneck of feelings and then they can come all at once.

Keep in contact with your friends as they will keep your spirits up! You could use your phone or social media sites such as Instagram and remember to investigate ways to do your school work online together.

Keep some structure to your day. Keeping up with your normal hobbies and activities as far as possible will help your mental wellbeing.

Most importantly, remember that if you are feeling really low or are struggling to cope, you are not alone and support is available for you (see all the details below!) Plus you can speak to a friend or family member or book an appointment with your GP.

Other mental health support available:

For tips, advice and where to get support for you/your child's mental health during the coronavirus pandemic: visit Young Minds. As well as a great website (packed full of helpful info), YoungMinds also has a Parents Helpline (call free on 0808 802 5544 - Mon-Fri 9.30am - 4pm).

ChatHealth is a text messaging service (available on 07507 332160) to support young people in Hampshire. It's an easy way for young people 11-19 to confidentially ask for help with a range of issues. The service is manned by qualified school nurses who have a wealth of experience of working with young people. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday from 9am-4.30pm (excluding bank holidays).

The NSPCC has got some fantastic resources for children and parents - as well as Childline support too.

For practical advice and information if you're affected by anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression, you can visit: Anxiety UK. In response to the coronavirus, they're extending their info-line opening hours to Mon-Fri (9.30am - 5pm) and weekends (from 10am - 8pm). Call 0344 477 5774; email support@anxietyuk.org.uk; or text 07537 416905. You can also join #coronanxiety webinars and support groups, around topics such as OCD, uncertainty and claustrophobia at www.anxietyuk.org.uk/coronanxiety-support-resources.

The Mix is a support service for young people, helping you take on any challenge you’re facing (from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs). Visit their website to find info about coronavirus and ideas for things to do while staying home. The Mix’s emotional support services are open as normal – and if you’re under 25 you can talk to them about anything that’s troubling you over the phone (0808 808 4994 from 4-11pm), email or webchat. You can also use their online counselling service.

The National Autistic Society have ideas and suggestions for supporting someone with autism around routine change, anxiety and sensory issues such as hand washing. You can contact their helpline for information and advice (Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm and Fridays 9am-3pm) on 0808 800 4104.

Did you know? Fitness coach, Joe Wicks has become the UK's PE teacher by running free classes every weekday for you and your parents to keep fit while self-isolating! Visit here to join the classes every morning.

BBC Bitesize offers lots of resources that are clearly divided into subject and age categories

YouTube's Free School offers a range of videos looking at subjects as diverse as coral reefs and the solar system

Twinkl is the trusted home of teacher-created planning and assessment materials and teaching resources – and it has just offered free access to its resources for a month with a simple guide for parents

TED-Ed is full of lessons worth sharing from teachers around the globe

Self care

During these times it is really important to allow space for self-care. Try to view this time as a challenge and not a crisis. Use it to make a positive difference to your life by enjoying pastimes you don’t usually have the opportunity for and to catch up with those tasks you are always meaning to do. Some ideas to get you started:

Reading books- Hampshire Libraries have resources online

Listening to music

Cooking/ Baking

Organise virtual gatherings with your friends using online platforms such as Zoom or House party

Organise your home – Team TOMM have a boot camp where you can follow the method to totally blitz your home - https://www.theorganisedmum.blog/2017/06/26/1-week-boot-camp-for-when-youve-lost- control-of-the-housework/

Do the jobs you have always been meaning to do – organise photos, sort out the drawer you have been meaning to organise

Gardening

Do your nails, take a long bath and the other things you never get chance to do in your normal busy life

Learn a craft on YouTube – knitting, crocheting, needle felting

Singing – many choirs are meeting online – e.g. Monday - 8:00pm Pop Choir free on Mama Tribe on Facebook or the Sofa Singers free on a Friday at 11:00am